Nine worshippers abducted during a midnight vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon have been released after a week in captivity, the Benue State Police confirmed Sunday.
The victims were rescued Saturday evening following coordinated operations by the Ado Division and the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Two suspects, Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, were arrested with ammunition, while two more were detained in follow-up raids that recovered an AK-47.
Governor Hyacinth Alia praised security forces and local vigilantes for their swift action.
“The victims are safe and receiving care,” he said, urging residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Authorities said investigations continue to apprehend other members of the syndicate, with additional aerial and tactical resources deployed to strengthen security across Benue.
